Bali Pass Trek

Cloaked in mystery, and located at an altitude of 3566m, a challenge to the adventurers, Har-ki-Dun is supposed to have shared part of its history with the Pandavas and Kauravas. It is the land of Kauravas, the western part of Uttarkashi is known as Fateh Parvat, and is separated from Himachal Pradesh by the Tons River. The luxuriant Har-Ki-Dun valley has a backdrop of snowy mountain peaks, and dense forests of pine, deodar, and conifer. Har-ki-Dun (Har stands for Hari, or Lord Krishna, the blue-god, and Dun means valley), lies in the westernmost Himalayas of Garhwal, sharing its boundary with eastern Himachal Pradesh, and is dominated by the Swargarohini peak (6096m).Area: Garhwal HimalayasDuration: 13 DaysAltitude: 4800 mts/15744 ftGrade: Moderate to ChallengingSeason: May - Mid Jul & Sep - Oct

ITINERARY

Day 1 Delhi - Dehradun - Mussoorie (34 kms/1½ hrs)
In the morning catch an AC train for Dehradun at 06:50 hrs. Arrival at Dehradun by 12:30 hrs and here meet our guide and drive towards Mussoorie. Its situated in between Shivalik ranges in the Himalayan foothills which presents a spectacular and snow-clad peaks of Western - Garhwal Himalaya also Doon valley below. While Dehradun is also connected with air, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant which is 24 kms from Dehradun. On arrival at Mussoorie check into hotel. Evening free to explore the nearby places. Overnight stay in Hotel.

Day 2 Mussoorie - Sankri (160 kms/5-6 hrs)
Today we drive from Mussoorie to Sankri, which is our starting point of trek. The route from Mussoorie goes down to Yamuna Bridge at Yamuna River and further to Naitwar at Tons valley. Driving continue to Naitwar which is a entrance of The Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. Is located in Purola Tehsil of Uttarkashi district of Garhwal. This wildlife sanctuary has a large number of mammal species like Snow leopard, Black bear, Brown bear, Musk deer, Bharal, Himalayan Thar. The endangered birds are Monal pheasant, Koklas pheasant, Western Tragopan, Himalayan Snow cock, Golden eagle, Bearded vulture. Cuckoos, owls & Bulbul etc.

Day 3 Sankri - Taluka (1900 mts/12 kms 4/5 hrs)
Today we start trek to Taluka village along the Supin River. The trail is a fare weather jeep able road. An easy day trek for acclimatisation. As we go upstream it is more playful and clear water. The houses here are mainly two storied wood structures overlooking the streams or river. Overnight camp at Taluka.
There are fairly 42 well populated villages in the area of sanctuary, some are at height of 2900 mts. The people are living a primitive life and still in many ways depend of forest for many of their basic needs. The villagers worship the Kauravas and Duryodhana of Mahabharata is the main deity. The temples have beautiful wood carvings.

Day 4 Taluka - Osla (2559 mts/13 kms 4/5 hrs)
Today we cross the Siyan Gad by bridge, further trail climbs to Dhatmir village. Later we cross the river towards right side of Ton river. The route is dotted with tea – shops and Dhabas. Osla has very dense forests of Walnut, Chestnut, Willows and Chinars. Overnight camp.

Day 5 Osla - Har Ki dun (3506 mts/ 14 kms 5/6 hrs)
Today after Osla we continue trek to Har Ki Dun. The trail and surroundings is extremely picturesque. Which is 5/6 hrs walk. Little steams cross our path. As the trail climbs gradually through lush green terraced mountain fields and spotted with varied wild flowers. Har Ki dun has a back drop of snowy mountain peaks. Enroute we will have a wonderful view towards East of Ruinsara Gad: Kalanag Peak (6387 mts), (Bandar punch 6316 mts), Swargarohini (6252 mts), Juandhar glacier towards North and dense forests. It is one of the most picturesque spot in the Garhwal Hills. Thats why its called Dev Bhoomi (valley of Gods). Overnight camp.

Day 7 Har Ki Dun - Debshu Bugyal
Today we will trek 14 kms to reach Debshu Bugyal. It will take 4-5 hrs at leisure pace as the trail is generally downhill. Overnight in tents.

Day 8 Debshu Bugyal - Ruinsara Tal
Today we start trekking early towards Ruinsara Tal. The Trek from Debshu Bugyal to Ruinsara Tal is through, terraced mountain fields, lush green grassy lands and conifer forests through extremely scenic landscape. The gradient of the trek is moderate and one will be able to complete the trek in 5 - 6 hrs on arrival at the lake set campsite. Overnight in tents.

Day 9 Ruinsara Tal (The day is for rest/acclimatisation/exploration )
One can explore the surroundings around the lake. The place is full of photographers delight. Dinner and overnight in stay in tents.

Day 11 Foot of Bali pass - Bali pass (4800 mts) - Yamunotri (3165 mts/ 9 kms)
An early morning starts trek for an exciting day for crossing the pass. Bali pass is about 4800m, and it is not a glaciated pass. However it is a rocky and scree filled pass. A pass between the Tons valley and the Yamunotri valleys. From pass a magnificent view of Swargarohini peak and below Ruinsara Gad. The route descends through open meadows and later through forests to lead near Yamunotri shrine. After crossing pass the trail is generally downhill to Yamunotri. The source of the river Yamuna, one of the four Dhams Shrines of Hindu pilgrims is dominated by Bander punch (6361 mts). Yamuna is also the daughter of Surya the Sun. According to legend the temple must be built every few years. There is a hot spring at Yamunotri in which pilgrims immerse potatoes and rice in a piece of cloth. The meal, which takes only a few minutes to cook is then offered to the deity & later distributed as Prasad. Overnight camp

Day 12 Yamunotri - Janakichatti - Hanumanchatti (2400 m/7200 ft) 14 kms/4-5 hrs
After breakfast, trek 14 kms with packed lunch along Yamuna river fairly downhill to Janakichatti (2575 mts) than further to Hanumanchatti (2400 mts). Hanumanchatti is the last motor point before heading to Uttarkashi. It is also a confluence of two holy rivers Yamuna and Hanuman Ganga. Dinner and overnight in camp/hotel.

Cost includes• Accommodation: Hotel in Mussoorie with breakfast basis. While on trek we will use Dome/Alpine tents to make the accommodation comfortable.
• Train: AC Train ticket from Delhi to Dehradun &back
• Transport: Mahindra Max car from Dehradun to Sankri & back to Dehradun.
• Meals: In Mussoorie only breakfast will be serving. While on trek all meals will be provided. The food would be mix of Indian, Chinese & Continental.
• Camping equipment like tents, mattresses, mess tent, camping stools, table etc.
• Mules/Porters: For carrying rations, vegetables and some amount of personal gear of the clients (one bag not weighing more than 15 kgs).
• Professional local trekking guide and kitchen staff would accompany the group
• Entry fee for the park